COSMO-SkyMed

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COSMO-SkyMed (COnstellation of small Satellites for the Mediterranean basin Observation) is an Earth observation satellite system funded by the Italian Ministry of Research and Ministry of Defence and conducted by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), intended for both military and civilian use.[1]

The space segment of the system will include four medium-sized satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors with global coverage of the planet.[2] Observations of an area of interest will be repeated several times a day in all-weather conditions. The imagery will be applied to defense and security assurance in Italy and other countries, seismic hazard analysis, environmental disaster monitoring, and agricultural mapping.[3]

Contents

[edit] Space segment

The four satellites are planned for sun-synchronous polar orbits, phased at 90° and at an altitude of 619 km with an orbit of 97 minutes. The expected operating life of each satellite is estimate in 5 years.

The satellites main components are:

[edit] Launch

United Launch Alliance is providing launch services for the first three satellites. Satellite processing for the first two satellites was handled by the Astrotech Space Operations subsidiary of SPACEHAB.[3] The first satellite was launched at 22:34 GMT, on June 8, 2007, aboard a Delta II 7420-10 rocket from Vandenberg AFB.[4] An identical rocket launched COSMO-2 at 02:31:42 GMT on 9 December 2007,[5] the launch having been delayed from 6 December due to bad weather, and problems with the rocket's cork insulation. COSMO-3 is scheduled to launch in 2008, also aboard a Delta II 7420-10. The rocket that will launch COSMO-4 is yet to be announced.

[edit] Ground segment

The ground segment of the system is composed by:

  • Command Center:
    • Flag of Italy Italian Centro Controllo e Pianificazione Missione del Fucino
  • Tracking and data stations:
  • User Ground Segments:
    • Flag of Italy Italian Matera Civil User Ground Segment
    • Flag of Italy Italian Pratica di Mare Defence User Ground Segment
    • Flag of France France Defence User Ground Segment

The Argentinian and the France government are involved respectively in the civil and in the military segment of the system.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ COSMO-SkyMed: Mission definition and main applications and products. ESA.
  2. ^ COSMO-SkyMed. Telespazio.
  3. ^ a b SPACEHAB Subsidiary Signs New Contracts Totaling $4.7 Million. SPACEHAB.
  4. ^ Worldwide launch schedule. Spaceflight Now.
  5. ^ NASA Spaceflight.com - Delta II launches with COSMO-SkyMed-2
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